ar-19-258 - payhonin reconciliation st. albert final report
TRANSCRIPT
PAYHONIN: RECONCILIATION ST. ALBERT
APAKOSIS CONSULTING 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In late 2018 and early 2019, engagement took place to understand the appropriate structure to bring
forward actions relations to the truth, healing and reconciliation in the City of St. Albert. This report
summarizes the conversations that took place with organizations, residents and staff in the form of
recommendations.
KINANÂSKOMITIN / MARSEE / THANK YOU’S
We thank the members of the Reconciliation St. Albert Circle, especially the knowledge keepers Hazel
McKennett and Tom Ghostkeeper. Sadly, Elder Ghostkeeper passed on to the spirit world while this
project was underway. His dedication to Reconciliation in St. Albert, advice and guidance throughout the
process will be remembered and hopefully his vision realized through the actions that will come
forward.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Indigenous communities and allies for taking the time to meet
with the consulting team and municipal staff. We’d especially like to the thank Michif Cultural
Connections, who provided the foundation upon which this Reconciliation initiative was built. Their
continuous effort to bring education, culture and language to the process cannot be overlooked. Their
consistent programming and innovation are not only commendable but truly one of the reasons that
Reconciliation is underway. We give a special mention to the St. Albert Public Library, Poundmakers
Lodge, the St. Albert RCMP Detachment, the St. Albert Arts and Heritage Foundation (Musée Héritage
Museum) and the Art Gallery of St. Albert and the St. Albert – Sturgeon County Métis Local for their
contributions and efforts.
INTRODUCTION
Reconciliation is a priority of the City of St. Albert. Based on a desire for further work to be completed, a
taskforce was established, renamed and expanded. The intention is to establish a structure that will
establish and implement an action plan for Reconciliation in St. Albert.
The City of St. Albert plays a very important role, both as a decision maker for how the community is
planned and evolves but also as a provider of services and programs. Municipal services and decisions
affect the daily lives of residents, business owners and neighbours. Whether it be investment in capital
infrastructure, land-use decisions, or economic development, many of the decisions made today will
impact the lives of future generations living in the St. Albert area. It is important local government
actions are informed not only through engagement with residents, but with a clear understanding and
respectful consideration of First Nations and Metis concerns.
In the local government context, there are minimum legislated requirements for Indigenous
consultation and notification, such as statutory documents or land developments. As reconciliation
within municipalities has evolved in the past decade, we are seeing examples of innovative and
collaborative planning and development between Indigenous groups and Municipal governments. By
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sharing information more freely and consulting Indigenous groups earlier in decision-making processes,
communities are reaping the benefit of more voices, diversity of ideas and ultimately broader
community understanding of the complexity of issues being addressed.
PAYHONIN: WHAT’S BEH IND THE NAME?
Payhonin is a Cree word for gathering place and is a traditional Indigenous description of the valley
where St. Albert is located. Many stories passed down through the Nehiyaw people describe numerous
places at certain lakes and along the Sturgeon River valley as places of Payhonin to rest, camp or use as
navigable coordinates in their travels. One way to think of the term Payhonin is referring not to a
specific location like St. Albert, but to a place for something to happen. Each reference to Payhonin has
context for a given place and time.
In the case of our working circle, we are using Payhonin to refer to our community’s collective journey
toward reconciliation. Payhonin is a term that may be interpreted in different ways. Members of the
Indigenous community have different perspectives on use of the term. As we continue on our journey
toward reconciliation, we invited community members to share their thoughts on the term Payhonin
and what it means to them. Our conversations about Payhonin will help increase our understanding of
the term, provide context for our respective viewpoints, and foster conversations on how we can move
forward in this work together.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A Land Acknowledgement is an opportunity for the City of St. Albert to recognize that we are residing
and working in First Nation and Métis traditional territory. This statement was discussed with the
Reconciliation Committee, Mayor and Council, Indigenous organizations and public at large both in
person and through an online survey. The team decided on two versions. A formal land
acknowledgement that would be available on print materials and should be widely displayed throughout
Municipal spaces, especially meeting areas. The other, an informal land acknowledgement that could be
used at the start of a meeting, if no other order of government have also acknowledged Indigenous land
in a respectful manner.
It is recommended that the land acknowledgment starts off the conversation, if there is a prayer or
blessing, it should take place immediately afterwards by the Master of Ceremonies or host of the event.
Formal Land Acknowledgement Informal Land Acknowledgement
Council Meetings In Camera & Administrative Meetings
Sports & Tourism Events Committee Meetings
Public Announcements At the commencement of programming
Large Public Gatherings Small Public Gatherings
Central meeting places and public spaces in print Internal Website
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These land acknowledgements are to be used as a guide, as it is always encouraged that individuals
should take the time to understand the land that they are visiting, working or living upon and its history.
Well researched and authentic land acknowledgements that respect the uniqueness of St. Albert and
the Indigenous people who live here, are most appreciated and impactful. It is not the intention that
these suggested Land Acknowledgement Statements be used as a script that is mechanically recited
over and over again at various events. That would turn the statement into an empty gesture or
checkmark, rather than a genuine effort to establish a foundation of reconciliation for all discussions.
The land acknowledgement statements were the result of a dialogue on suggested wording and edited
as the engagement process progressed. Throughout the engagement period, these land
acknowledgments evolved through four versions ending on the current proposed land acknowledgment.
These words should be treated as a living document, checked on a frequent basis, responsive to
changing terminology and recognizing Indigenous innovations both historically and in the present.
FORMAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We respectfully acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, traditional lands of First Nations
and Metis peoples. As treaty People, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, we share the responsibility
for stewardship of this beautiful land.
INFORMAL LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We respectfully acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, traditional lands of First Nations
and Metis peoples.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Short Term (0-6 months):
Clarify decision-making processes to make it easier for Indigenous groups and people to provide input into
municipal decisions:
Recommendation 1: Develop a detailed or comprehensive Reconciliation plan for St. Albert.
Recommendation 2: The Reconciliation plan should be overseen by a Council committee that is co-
chaired by Indigenous people or representatives of Indigenous organizations and include a number of
representatives from Indigenous communities.
Recommendation 3: Establish sustainable funding for the committee and ongoing programming related
to truth and reconciliation, for example, per capita budgeting.
Recommendation 4: Adopt the Land Acknowledgements, both formal and informal, to be used at City of
St. Albert gatherings, events, on print material, and throughout municipal spaces.
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Expand or establish communication channels to Indigenous groups and individuals and provide earlier notification
and involvement where appropriate:
Recommendation 5: Establish a City of St. Albert full time equivalent position to work on reconciliation
initiatives with the Committee as well as maintain relationships with Indigenous organizations and people
in St. Albert.1
Recommendation 6: With administrative support, request leadership to leadership, nation-to-nation
meetings with Indigenous organizations. The goal is to establish a regular dialogue about opportunities,
issues and upcoming decisions.
Medium Term (6-12 months)
Build municipal organizational capacity to support increased Indigenous relations competency:
Recommendation 7: City of St. Albert administration consistently offer training opportunities both online
and in-person to ensure that all Municipal staff have access.
Recommendation 8: Include Indigenous Awareness workshops and Blanket Exercises, as part of new
Council orientation to orient Council and senior leadership to reconciliation and respectful relations with
Indigenous organizations and people.
Recommendation 9: Seek input on project-specific methods of dialogue with Indigenous communities,
prior to commencing broader engagement, in order to follow proper and respectful protocols.
Recommendation 10: Amend the flag policy to have the Treaty 6 and Métis flags hung next to the
Canadian flag, followed by the provincial and municipal flags, recognizing that First Nations and Métis
Nations are sovereign entities. This should apply to all flags that are under the control of the City of St.
Albert and located in both indoor and outdoor venues.
Long Term (12 months and further)
Cultivate a culture of Reconciliation:
Recommendation 11: Report annually on reconciliation efforts and submit to the City of St. Albert Council
and the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation. Include information about learnings and progress
made toward improving the relationships with Indigenous peoples.
Recommendation 12: Recognize and celebrate success and learnings as achieved, not only by the City as a
whole, but individual staff and community members who contribute to Reconciliation.
1 In keeping with the seven generations planning.
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Invest in infrastructure that contributes to reconciliation:
Recommendation 13: Consider the installation of two additional flag poles at all Municipal flagpole
locations to have Métis and Treaty 6 flags permanently flying.
Recommendation 14: Consider permanent spaces, both indoor and outdoor, for delivery of Indigenous
cultural programming and space for Indigenous organizations and their administrations to be housed.
PROJECT VISION
The project was initiated by St. Albert City Council on September 11, 2017, when it passed the following motions in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action Report. The goal of the motion was to address the Calls to Action identified in the report that relate to the City of St. Albert. Administration had established an internal Indigenous Reconciliation Task Force to begin to address the actions identified by Council. That Taskforce evolved with the inclusion of Elders and other community partners, to a Circle. The Circle continues to be committed to moving forward & addressing the Calls to Action related to municipal level of government. Reconciliation is an ongoing process. This project is the first of three phases. One of the most important aspects recognized was for the City of St. Albert to move through this process in a respectful manner recognizing Indigenous cultural traditions and protocols to enable a positive move forward with Indigenous communities. Based on our initial meetings and informal consultations with Indigenous
That the City of St. Albert supports all Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of
Canada Report; and
That Administration facilitate a meeting with local Indigenous Elders to seek advice regarding the
creation of an Indigenous Relations Advisory Committee and to address the relevant Calls to Action,
at the municipal level, of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and to provide advice
to Council and Administration on matters of interest to Indigenous peoples; and
That following the consultation with local Indigenous Elders, possibly including youth, that
Administration prepare a report summarizing the learnings from the meeting and a proposed
approach to developing a plan to address the relevant Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission; and
That an Indigenous Cultural Awareness Workshop be conducted with Council during 2018; and
That Administration consult with local Indigenous Elders to develop an inclusive acknowledgement
statement for civic events, ceremonies and functions.
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communities, City of St. Albert administration learned that the process of how the City engages and who they engage with as well as the process and protocol are extremely important.
THREE PHASED APPROACH TO RECONCILIATION
MUNICIPAL RECONCILIATION
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada mission was to inform all Canadians about the
scope and legacy of the colonial systems imposed upon all Indigenous people in Canada. In June 2015,
the Commission released a report that contained 94 calls to action.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada defines Reconciliation as “an ongoing process of
establishing and maintaining respectful relationships”. The Commission further explains that “concrete
actions that demonstrate real societal change” and “revitalization of Indigenous law and legal traditions”
that will inform the reconciliation process, are crucial parts of this process.
Reconciliation is a process, involving symbolic and practical actions, that contribute towards the
development of respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It is more than
language, it is government and public servants taking the time to understand, value and use Indigenous
histories, realities and ways of knowing in its operations.
Municipal governments can play an important role in Reconciliation. While there are specific
recommendations for local governments, an even more important action is the righting of relationships
with Indigenous peoples and groups. Municipalities, by nature, are the front facing level of government
that offer services that affect people’s daily lives. This interaction offers an opportunity to have ongoing,
continual partnership and relationship building.
The report identifies additional Calls to Actions for all levels of government associated with administrative costs, health care practitioners, adequate funding for victim services, annual reporting on progress toward reconciliation, school funding for denominational schools for Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and practices, collaboration on telling the history of Aboriginal athletes, and support for the North American Indigenous Games.2
A neighbouring municipality, the City of Edmonton, have commenced their reconciliation activities by
training more than 10,000 city employees about the history and impact of colonialism on Indigenous
people. They are presently engaging the broader City of Edmonton population through community
conversations to learn more about how they can strengthen relations with urban Indigenous people.
Similar sized municipalities in Alberta, the City of Grande Prairie and the Regional Municipality of Wood
2 S
PHASE 1 – INFORMATION GATHERING
PHASE 2 – RECONCILIATION ACTION PLANNING
PHASE 3 – IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION
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Buffalo are currently undertaking reconciliation activities. The City of Grande Prairie has “Truth and
Reconciliation with Indigenous people” as a priority item for their Youth Council and the Regional
Municipality of Wood Buffalo is in the process of developing a reconciliation framework to inform their
activities in the future.
Other Municipalities, such as the Town of St. Paul, together with surrounding First Nations, formed a
reconciliation committee who hosted racism forums to address the division that existed between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Supportive collaborations, such as seeking recognition as an
Indigenous Municipality, is underway at the Improvement District No. 17 which may result in increased
infrastructure funding.
Smaller centres such as the Town of Devon and the Town of Canmore have focused their efforts on
bringing in education opportunities for staff and residents. The Town of Canmore brought in the Kairos
Blanket Exercise and the Town of Devon recently welcomed the Michif Cultural Connections.
Other steps taken by Municipalities in Alberta include (but are not limited to):
1. Education and awareness activities, such as:
• Using arts and culture to raise awareness and generate dialogue on reconciliation;
• Delivering informative and experiential workshops;
2. Supporting youth dialogue to explore common goals and opportunities for action, exchange of community ideas and challenges to improve systemic processes and shared capacity building;
3. Cultural events and community gatherings that feature connection, engagement, participation, cultural sharing and skills development, such as:
• Healing/talking circles;
• Culture camps and/or gatherings of participants with a focus on incorporating cultural elements and language into the dialogue;
• Performances;
• Feasts;
• Resilience and strength-themed events or programs, including activities that speak to sense of self, sense of family, sense of community and sense of culture, language and connection to land.
These steps that are taking place all across Alberta is the start of transformational change. Federation of
Canadian Municipalities Past-President, Clark Somerville said it best: “Only by shining light on our dark
past can we ensure a brighter future for all of Canada’s children” (Sommerville, 2017).
WHAT COMMUNITY HAD TO SAY
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Building on earlier work of municipal staff and St. Albert Indigenous
communities, along with input collected from December 2018 to
May 2019, the Apakosis Consulting team heard from over one
hundred staff and residents about their preferred pathway to
reconciliation within the City of St. Albert municipal government.
During the same period, an online survey collected input from 178
residents and staff. As well, a review of reconciliation actions in
other municipal governments was undertaken. The consulting team
also met with the City of St. Albert’s Mayor and Council and senior
leadership team and collected input from staff to hear their
perspectives as they relate to incorporating reconciliation,
especially skills-based training into their work.
The online survey and in-person engagement events (focus groups,
talking circles and a number of meetings and interviews) brought
forth rich input that resulted in items ranked in importance to the
community. Overall, there is a desire to see more education and
awareness. The community wants more information about
reconciliation, especially the history of residential schools, where
there were two located in St. Albert. In terms of the structure, there
is a desire to see a committee that is led by Indigenous
representatives that have a direct line of communication to Mayor
and Council and has adequate staff and financial support.
There is an overall agreement that relations are somewhat positive
and there is a general interest about existing Indigenous programs
and educational opportunities. Equally important is that there exists
a strong sense of interest within the Indigenous community to share
Indigenous culture with all.
While feedback is positive, the majority of Indigenous interviewees
cited negative experiences within the boundaries of the City of St.
Albert, especially in customer service interactions, highlighting the
relationship the front-line role customer service experience plays in
reconciliation. These experiences inspired the Circle to establish a
pledge, encouraging citizens of St. Albert to step forward and
commit themselves to further understanding and action.
THE METHODOLOGY
I ________, in the spirit of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, solemnly pledge to: 1. Learn more about
Indigenous Peoples, their experiences and their history;
2. Actively support positive change in our relations in St. Albert;
3. Examine colonial structures in our institutions that limit the full participation of Indigenous Peoples;
4. Look for ways, both personally and professionally, to implement Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action;
5. Find ways to address the Indigenous-related myths and misconceptions with my fellow Canadians;
6. Not perpetuate stereotypes in my conversations or observations; and
7. Encourage others around me to keep reconciliation an ongoing effort.
#PAYHONIN
PLEDGE
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The methodology principles included ensuring that meaningful Indigenous participation and knowledge,
rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing. These principles are based on both traditional knowledge and
academic literature on Municipal-Indigenous relations, Treaty 6 First Nation cultural protocols, Métis
cultural protocols and reconciliation initiatives by other local levels of government in Canada.
The following table provides an overview of the engagement connections that took place from
December 2018 to June 2019.
Engagement Events/ Interviews/ Meetings
Date(s) Total Number of Individuals Engaged
Business Luncheon/Breakfast January 31, 2019 and February 27, 2019
12
Michif Institute February 1, 2019 1
Musée Heritage February 5, 2019 1
RCMP February 1, 2019 2
Poundmakers February 26, 2019 and April 9, 2019
4
Elder Ghostkeeper December 20, 2019 1
Sturgeon County – St. Albert Metis January 16, 2019 and February 20, 2019
12
Public Library & Musée Heritage January 22 2
Michel Band February 19, 2019 1
Ministerial Circle March 20, 2019 8
Payhonin Reconciliation Circle (City of St. Albert staff, Elders, Arts and Heritage Foundation, Michif Institute, RCMP and St. Albert Library)
December 11, 2018, January 23, February 5, 19, 25, March 5, 19, April 16, 30, May 16, June 13, 2019.
8
Launch Event April 17, 2019 Approximately 100
Talking Circles May 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2019 Approximately 78
Focus Groups May 4, 11, 14 and 16, 2019 15
Surveys May – June, 2019 178 respondents
Total Engaged Individuals 423
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Note: The survey results show reflects the internal and external surveys conducted with residents and staff from
April - July 2019
For Indigenous respondents, Circle members and community leaders, we heard loud and clear that
being inclusive of Indigenous people, symbols and governance methods is what is necessary to move
reconciliation forward. Inviting Indigenous governance methods into Municipal practices, will allow for
decisions about reconciliation activities to be founded by traditional Indigenous laws, instead of colonial
decision-making practices. What Indigenous laws and processes bring to the table an alternate and
diverse method of problem solving. Indigenous laws derive from “the Creator, the land, and their own
customs and decision making processes.” (Morales & Nichols, 2018) This unique perspective should be
spearheaded by someone who works within the City of St. Albert, that can establish continual and
respectful relations with Indigenous leadership and communities (Recommendation 4). The majority of
key recommendations that are proposed in this report relate to shared governance through the
Reconciliation Committee as the foundation of reconciliation.
Somewhat Positive58%
Somewhat Negative24%
Very Positive16%
Very Negative2%
Current relations between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous people in St. Albert today as:
RECONCILIATION IS THE PROCESS OF ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAST AND NOT ALLOWING THE BELIEFS OF
PREJUDICE AND RACIST POLICY DICTATE HOW WE HONOR INDIGENOUS CULTURE IN A COMMUNITY
FOUNDED BY THE MÉTIS AND OTHER INDIGENOUS CULTURES THAT WERE SETTLED IN THIS AREA.
Survey Respondent
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WHAT STAFF HAD TO SAY
Staff throughout the City of St. Albert have been open and willing to discuss their role as a public servant
in the journey of reconciliation. The majority of respondents (75%) were interested and excited at the
prospect of taking Indigenous Awareness training; those who were not had for the most part received
extensive training from previous employers.
The general feeling amongst staff is to be cautious when interacting or reaching out to Indigenous
communities due to lack of awareness and fear of being disrespectful, which has impeded the City of St.
Albert’s ability to strengthen relationships with Indigenous organizations and leadership. There is a
strong desire to do the best job possible and achieve right relations with Indigenous residents and
community groups.
LIMITATIONS
Municipalities in Alberta are faced with a challenge. How to implement reconciliation within municipal
processes and policies, when many of those procedures are directed by the Provincial and Federal
Government. The Government of Alberta has a significant role to play in the success of reconciliation
initiatives, especially those related to land management and decision making. It is important that all
parties understand that local governments are bound to legislative procedures established by the
province.
In order to fully implement the Calls to Action, specifically the enactment of the United Nation’s
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, there is need for dynamic legislative and policy shifts
throughout provincial and federal jurisdictions.
CONCLUSION
Reconciliation is a journey. This report represents the first phase of gathering information on how to
proceed in a manner that respects the cultures of Indigenous communities and peoples. On-going
Indigenous input into decisions and services is an essential component of municipal community-
7.00%
15.75%
52.76%
55.91%
67.46%
81.00%
93.00%
84.25%
47.24%
44.09%
32.54%
19.00%
D o y o u s e l f - i d e n t i f y a s I n d i g e n o u s ?
D o e s y o u r j o b i n t e r a c t w i t h I n d i g e n o u s p e o p l e o n a f r e q u e n t b a s i s ?
H a v e y o u e v e r a t t e n d i n g a n y I n d i g e n o u s a w a r e n e s s w o r k s h o p s ?
A r e y o u a w a r e o f I n d i g e n o u s s t a f f w o r k i n g a t t h e C i t y o f S t . A l b e r t ?
H a v e y o u e v e r v i s i t e d a n I n d i g e n o u s c o m m u n i t y ?
H a v e y o u r e a d o r h e a r d a n y t h i n g a b o u t t h e T R C ?
INTERNAL STAFF SURVEY
Yes No
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building. As Council and staff anticipate and respond to the needs of the community, it is important for
them to provide avenues for sharing information, feedback and active and ongoing dialogue with
Indigenous communities. Many of the decisions made by Council affect different people in different
ways, welcoming more voices and diversity of opinion helps make better decisions.
Establishing an Indigenous Advisory Committee of Council (referred throughout this report as the
Reconciliation Committee) and developing a reconciliation action plan that considers Indigenous voices
in decision making processes will help Council, staff and the community to have better conversations
with Indigenous partners about how best to community-build together. In addition to the action plan
and committee, some of the other key considerations include:
- offering opportunities for Indigenous governance methodology as the foundation of reconciliation and relationship building, and
- following the guiding principles of reconciliation in all activities, not just those associated directly with reconciliation.
These are practical and preliminary actions that would show that the City of St. Albert has taken the
time to understand, value and use Indigenous histories, realities and ways of knowing as it relates to
their role as a neighbour and in their role as a municipal government. Both roles play an important role
in reconciliation.
As the order of government closest to people, there are numerous opportunities for public education
and ongoing, continual partnership and relationship building with Indigenous communities. Across
Canada, there are many examples of innovative and collaborative planning and development between
Indigenous groups and municipal governments. Communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous are
reaping the benefit of more voices, diversity of ideas and ultimately broader community understanding
of the complexity of issues being addressed. Reconciliation is not only a dialogue starter, but a business
and social economic development driver. The opportunity for a positive and fruitful relationship with
Indigenous communities is dependent upon the follow-through of the public engagement-based
recommendations.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RECONCILIATION
APPENDICES
NINE CALLS TO ACTIONS THAT MENTION MUNICIPAL OR ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT
(SPECIFICALLY MUNICIPAL ARE IN DARK RED)
#40 We call on all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal people, to create adequately
funded and accessible Aboriginal-specific victim programs and services with appropriate evaluation
mechanisms.
#43 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to fully adopt and
implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for
reconciliation.
#47 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to repudiate concepts used
to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine of Discovery
and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation strategies that continue
to rely on such concepts
#57 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to provide education to
public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential
schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal
6. Participate in an Indigenous Cultural Awareness Workshops
7. Understand the best way to keep talking with Indigenous residents and partners
8. Develop a Reconciliation plan
1. Engage Elders
2. Engage Youth
3. Do so respectfully
4. Do so positively
5. Recognize traditional lands, the right way
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rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in
intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.
#64 We call upon all levels of government that provide public funds to denominational schools to
require such schools to provide an education on comparative religious studies, which must include a
segment on Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and practices
developed in collaboration with Aboriginal Elders.
#75 We call upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial and municipal
governments, churches, Aboriginal communities, former residential school students, and current
landowners to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification,
documentation, maintenance, commemoration and protection of residential school cemeteries or other
sites at which residential school children were buried. This is to include the provision of appropriate
memorial ceremonies and commemorative markers to honour the deceased children.
#77 We call upon provincial, territorial, municipal and community archives to work collaboratively with
the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to identify and collect copies of all records relevant to
the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to provide these to the NCTR.
#87 We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame,
and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal
athletes in history.
#88 We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete
development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including
funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.
REFERENCES
Morales, S., & Nichols, J. (2018). Reconciliation beyond the Box: The UN Declaration and Plurinational Federalism
in Canada. Centre for International Governance Innovation Online.
Sommerville, C. (2017, April). Reconciling Canada Together. Municipal World.